School changes course, allows girl to play football

District cites ACLU in statement

6:45 AM,
Aug. 17, 2013

Seventh-grader Makhaela Jenkins stands above the practice field Thursday at Liberty Union High School as seventh- and eighth-grade boys begin football practice in Baltimore. Makhaela, 12, practiced with the team for two days before school officials said she was not allowed to play because she is a girl.

Written by

CentralOhio.com

Makhaela Jenkins will be able to play football with the boys this year, after all.

The Liberty Union-Thurston school district, which had banned Jenkins, 12, from playing with the team because she is a girl, announced the decision Friday. Superintendent Paul Mathews said the district didn't want to spend tax dollars fighting the American Civil Liberties Union.

Mathews, who asked that his full statement be included, said the district's original decision was in line with Title IX requirements, but that the ...